The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 26, July 1922 - April, 1923 Page: 266
324 p. ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Southwestern Historical Quarterly
whole Mexican line was in full flight by the time I got a second
shot. Our men advanced rather in disorder, and drove the Mex-
icans across the boggy slew where many fell.
Their cannon had been taken and passed. Ours had ceased
firing because we were too closely mixed with the Mexicans. At a
point of timber across the slew, which was by this time bridged
with bogged horses on which we crossed, a Mexican officer of
high rank, flourishing his sword, made a grand appeal to rally
his men, but was shot down, and the men who had turned to face
us again resumed their flight only to be overtaken and shot. I do
not like to dwell on these scenes. No doubt our men were justi-
fiable, as the Mexican nation deserved punishment for its perfidy,
though the soldiers were not responsible for it. About half of
them were killed; some drowned in the bay.
General Almonte with commendable daring came forward among
our men, called for officers, and demanded to be allowed to sur-
render. About five hundred men grouped up behind him on the
principle of civilized warfare. I did not see this; I believe Colo-
nel Burleson was the officer who accepted the surrender and gave
the orders to cease firing. At the time I was with a large party
of men all from different commands who were pursuing Mex-
icans toward the bay. Some attempted to swim across. I re-
turned then.
Our troops were scattered and as much in disorder as the Mex-
icans. It took me some time to find the regiment, or the nu-
cleous with the colonel in it, about the center of the Mexicans.
The drums8 were beating the assembly, and men were slowly com-
ing in.
Of the main proceedings during the night I know little, being
detached from the main body to guard Santa Anna's baggage. I
wish to make one further comment on that time, which is, that I
believe the Mexican soldiers we encountered that day were much
braver than they have ever been credited with being; no one has
ever disputed the bravery of their officers. There were two causes
for officers and men alike being dispirited. One was the miserable
position taken. It would have been a formidable one three hun-
dred yards farther back, with the boggy slew in front, and the
timber to rally in. The Mexican officers describe Santa Anna
8It has been claimed the army was without a drum.-L. A. E.266
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 26, July 1922 - April, 1923, periodical, 1923; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101084/m1/272/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.